A minority rights group in Pakistan’s Punjab province has raised concerns over the alarming rate of child sexual abuse cases. In 2025, 663 cases were reported involving 989 suspects in the Faisalabad district alone, yet no convictions have been secured. This failure to bring perpetrators to justice is described as a moral and social tragedy by the rights body.
The trend of child sexual abuse continued into January, with 57 new cases and 76 suspects identified, while 23 cases are still under investigation. The group highlighted serious flaws in Pakistan’s justice system, citing weak investigations, poor evidence collection, and court backlogs as major obstacles to prosecution efforts. Survivors often lack protection and support, compounding the trauma.
The rights group emphasized the urgent need for reforms in Faisalabad to safeguard children and ensure justice. They called for the establishment of fast-track courts for child abuse cases, improved police training and investigation standards, timely completion of legal procedures, and enhanced support for survivors. The group stressed that every child deserves safety and every survivor deserves justice, urging accountability for those who neglect their duties.
